Gratitude is an Attitude

I think being grateful is a habit. It's about taking notice, being mindful, and learning to appreciate life.

Today I would like to thank the bicycle. It's as close as you can get to a perfect machine. Mine has taken me to more places and allowed me to see so much more of this world than I ever would have by any other means. Simple, effective, fast, and fun, my bike is also practical, sensible, sturdy, and reliable. It fits into my life easily and gives back every time I ride it. Structurally it's a piece of functional art. Every time I ride I smile, no exceptions. 

 The bicycle is a tool I use to slow down. Structured as it is, I can glide about taking in my world at a pace I can process. I use it to travel on two planes, the physical, it gets me where I need to go, and the psychological, I arrive feeling pumped and relaxed at the same time.

 I live near a pond, noting great, an old farmer's pond, but it's home water for me, sweet and so full of interesting stories. A few days ago, I was riding around my neighborhood. I can do an easy two-mile loop knowing that I won't have to think about traffic. It's a no-brainer of a ride, easy on the eyes and a chance to see my neighbors. I had just completed seven laps. Sunset was beginning as I was ending the ride. I was at the top of the hill overlooking the pond, gaining speed for my finish.

From behind over my left shoulder a gaggle of geese were coming in for a pond landing. They flew directly overhead, about thirty of them, no higher than eight feet off the ground. I was able to position the bike in the middle of them as they descended to six feet gliding in for their landing. For a few precious moments in time, I became a goose! I could hear the wind rushing out from around them, their loud calls ringing in my ears. I was part of the flock racing down that hill wearing my new gaggle hat. We parted company at the mailboxes. I turned sharply into the drive and raced home.

When I dismounted, out of breath, I also noticed I had welled up. How many times do you get invited to a goose party at sunset? I will never be able to recreate this moment. It's one of many I can cherish and feel thankful about forever. I can share it though, and be thankful.

One of the secrets to a happy life is to be thankful. My bicycle slows me down and allows me to experience the world anew each time I take a ride.